Storyline
The vice president is dead, and as the president makes his choice for a replacement, a secret contest of wills is being waged by a formidable rival. When Senator Laine Hanson is nominated as the first woman in history to hold the office, hidden agendas explode into a battle for power.
Directors
Writers
Cast
Philip Baker Hall, Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, Kathryn Morris, Mike Binder, Kristen Shaw, Joan Allen, Sam Elliott, Jeff Bridges, Angelica Page, Douglas Urbanski, Saul Rubinek, Mariel Hemingway, Kevin Geer, Irene Ziegler, William Petersen, Joseph Lyle Taylor, Robin Thomas, Doug Roberts, Noah Fryrear, Bev Appleton, Sandra Register, Tony Booth, Andrew Boothby
Trailer
Reviews
100
Chicago Sun-Times
One of those rare movies where you leave the theater having been surprised and entertained, and then start arguing.
88
Charlotte Observer
Supplies the three key elements of the best political thrillers: suspense, credibility and the feeling that you're really sitting in the Oval Office.
75
Miami Herald
Heavy-handed and manipulative, it also proves formidably engrossing.
70
As entertainment of a tawdry but compelling sort, The Contender certainly delivers.
67
A potpourri of issue-oriented drama enlivened by superlative performances and smart dialogue.
